The Subaru XV Crosstrek

Subaru is one car company that does not care about the design of traditional cars, the design of the competitions top sellers, or what ordinary people like. What they do care about is building rock solid cars for a niche of people who love the outdoors, who love to play, who love solid and uncomplicated cars that last, and last, and last...

A tough little giant in a midgets clothing

Subaru is not foreign to controversy about being different..

But even in being different you have to be able to find the sweet spot, and Subaru has done it with their entire line up.

The Subaru 2.0 Boxer flat four engine

Bulletproof in every means of the word, Subaru's not so frugal yet very reliable 2.0 L boxer engine coupled with Subaru's exquisite and fantastic all-wheel-drive system is capable of 148 hp at speed, and 145 foot-pounds of torque. Not a whole lot, but more than adequate for this 3100 pound, low maintenance mountain goat.Voted one of the top SUV's in the world for 2013, the Subaru XV Crosstrek comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive system, two rows of usable seating, a five speed manual with hill hold assist, 17 inch wheels, a great suspension, 9 inches of ground clearance, a tow rating of 1500 pounds, a roof rating of 150 pounds, and impressive handling and ride capability.

The Subaru XV crossover also comes in a hybrid model

Usually in the car world, thinking small comes with a penalty....

Not so with the Subaru XV Crossover

Because of the class of car that I'm shopping for or for what I can afford, a car is usually missing this, or I can't add that, or I have to compromise, or spend a tremendous amount of money on a different package, or upgrade completely to the next class in order to get what I want.. Not so with this car..Everything you need including a full gauge package, tilt and telescopic steering, power windows and door locks, steering wheel instrumentation, power everything, easy to use dials and buttons are already included.. Very simple, uncomplicated, and for today's automotive world of touchscreens and sliders, it's a breath of fresh air..

Base car..? What does that even mean..

Even the base car comes fairly well-equipped with anything anybody needs for a weekend excursion, a highway cruise down through the hills, a trip to the mountains, or just a good old-fashioned ride down the highway and through downtown.. You can get the car in three levels, the premium which is the basic interior, the limited where the only real upgrade is the (CVT) transmission and navigation and sunroof, or you can go all out get the hybrid with everything.. There is also a cold weather package that includes heated wiper fluid, and heated mirrors. You can't go wrong with any of them, and for 2014, even the base is available with the sunroof and seat heating.. (Try that with some other car company)

The rotary push-button dial(s) feels quite significant and works with the quickness.. The information screen gives you real-time information from everything to estimated time of arrival, interior/exterior temperature, time and up to the second MPG..

The Limited package comes with small upgrades here and there, including thicker leather covered steering wheel, seven fan speeds on the climate control system dial, as opposed to four speeds for the premium, and navigation with rear facing camera . Each model also gives its own gauge set.

Each model also gets its own specific – gauge package..

premium (base)

limited model

hybrid

The other substantial exterior differences are the wheels..

..And for those of us who really care about the environment, as well as the footprint that we leave on the planet, all Subaru XV Crosstrek's are on Zero landfill status.. That means every portion of the car is recyclable..

More model differences

Video: XV Crosstrek courtesy of Motorweek PBS

The old meets the new

Concerned about durability? Don't be fooled. Subaru is one of the longest lasting and most trouble-free brands on the market today.

.....and now the Hybrid

The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid, AWD has a combined 31 to 33mpg highway miles per gallon, and is one of the most capable all around whether, fuel-efficient small crossovers on the market..

What's missing...?

Now every automotive journalist gives Subaru plain hell for their stereo system. Even with the optional navigation screen is just too small to be useful, and it does need to be upgraded. It can be fussy and complicated to use at times so use the voice prompts when possible. It does have an MP3 interface, HD radio, satellite radio and as an added option you can get upgraded speakers and a factory installed boombox in the rear. The hoods insulation is also missing and is an option. Some people like the rumble from the boxers engine and some people don't. If you don't care about the noise, then good for you. If I were going to buy I'd opt for insulation. Now the last thing that we've noticed about this car is I had to constantly put on my shades while driving. At the end of the test drive I noticed that there was absolutely no eyebrow tint on the front window, that's also optional.

Really Subaru..?

But no matter how many bad things we see about the stereo system, no amount of putting a boombox in the rear can make this navigation screen any better. It's functional at his best, and that's all.. It does have a knob, a place for Sim card if you want to personalize it, and a CD player..

Road trip anybody..?

Looks like Subaru has given us another very well optioned, and well put together multi terrain SUV. I'd certainly buy it with my money.. How bout you...?

...Southwest Airlines current slogan is "Wanna get away?" If the answer is yes, and you're not flying, taking the train, or hopping a bus, then this fuel-efficient, rock climbing, bush hopping, mud splashing little city dweller is all you need. With a starting price of about $22,000 for the base, $22,500 for the limited, and $25,995 for the hybrid, the Subie will definitely get you to where you are going and back with nary a problem.. Still don't believe me..? ﻿Check out this link...﻿This is definitely one of the best small SUVs that you can buy, period..

So... Do you wanna get away..?

Thanks for checking out this issue of autoFrenzy.net for the month of April 2014.. This is Dre' reminding you to keep your hands on the wheel, and your feet on the gas.. And remember, If you aint havin fun, you aint doin nuthin..!! Deuces yall..!!